United Way's investment areas

Updated 8:08 am, Monday, September 19, 2016

• Children enter kindergarten developmentally ready to learn and succeed

• Students read at grade level through high school completion

• Students have responsible and caring adults who support their education and lives

• Students complete high school ready to transition to career

Education investment areas

• High-quality preschool for 285 kids

• Free monthly age-appropriate books for all kids ages 0-5 for 2,500 children

• One-on-one mentoring and empowerment programs for 309 kids

• One-on-one reading and homework help mentors for 282 elementary students

• Youth development and leadership training for 1,845 youth

• College preparation and mentoring programs for 36 high school students

Health goals

• Children have a healthy start in life

• Youth and adults have access to healthy foods and exercise and adopt healthy habits

• Youth and adults avoid risky behaviors

• Individuals are emotionally and physically healthy and safe

Health investment areas

• Youth, adult and senior wellness and fitness for 1,368 people

• Health and safety training for 162 disabled citizens

• Support for 827 cancer patients and their families

• Counseling (crisis, pregnancy and general) for 1,147 people

• Home delivered meals and friendly visits for 132 area seniors

• Shelter, support and counseling for 3,650 victims of domestic violence

• Counseling, advocacy and support to 2,240 victims of sexual assault

• Forensic interviews and family support to 900 child victims of violence

• Addiction and recovery services to 661 people

Our community will only prosper and grow if all families and individuals are stable and self-sufficient. Fewer financial stresses lead to healthier lives, improved work performance and better education outcomes. United Way invests in programs that help adults to maintain employment while providing a safety-net of basic needs and stable and affordable housing.

The goal is to ensure that people of all ages and circumstances have long-term stability and independence.

Self-sufficiency goals

• Individuals have the skills to secure and maintain gainful employment

• Families and individuals have the resources to meet their basic needs, including emergencies and transportation

• Individuals are equipped to understand and manage their finances

• Individuals and families have stable and affordable housing

• Families have access to affordable, high-quality day care

Self-sufficiency investment areas

• Housing, employment and financial management support to 570 folks with disabilities

• 24/7 information and referral to 17,640 callers to 2-1-1

• Rescue and redistribution of 44,340 pounds of surplus food

• Natural disaster support for 50 local families

• Supported 45 families of military members

• Food, clothing, household and personal items to 5,896 people in need

• Rides provided to 375 local seniors who can no longer drive

• Tax preparation for over 1,200 local seniors and low-income residents

Now Playing:

• Housing and homeless prevention program for 1,055 at risk individuals